Breaking: Panthers Lock Up Mikkola to Huge Extension

The Florida Panthers continue to spend money in an attempt to keep their Stanley Cup run going. Thursday morning, they handed out a huge eight-year extension to their huge defenseman, Niko Mikkola.

8 years x $5M AAV for Niko Mikkola, value extension for the two-time defending champs https://t.co/eiiyltwuzC
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 2, 2025

The eight-year deal is worth $40 million, doubling his annual earnings with a $5 million AAV. It kicks in for the 2026-27 season, as he wraps up a three-year deal with a $2.5M cap hit this season.

Mikkola, 29, arrived in South Florida in 2023 and has been a big contributor to their two Cup triumphs. He now will continue to be a key part of the Panthers' blueline through to 2034.

The 6'6" defenseman is a rare breed of d-man, who possesses not only massive size and physicality, but also impressive skating and passing ability.

“Niko has proven himself to be a dependable defenseman who uses his speed and physicality to impact both ends of the ice,” said GM Bill Zito. “He was an indispensable piece of our past two championship campaigns, and we are thrilled that Niko will be continuing his career with the Florida Panthers.”

Mikkola calls signing extension with Panthers 'a no-brainer'

an easy choice. pic.twitter.com/bEl3C5DXMo
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 2, 2025

Mikkola said of his new deal, "Saw all the boys signing here, so it was a no-brainer."

Last season, he registered 22 points in 76 games, while registering 137 hits and 88 blocked shots. The year before, he handed out 198 hits and blocked 124 shots.